Suns set to shine, says Russell

By
CAMERON WHITELEY

THE Gold Coast Suns are ready to match it with the AFL's power teams week in, week out, according to former Burnie boy Luke Russell.

THE Gold Coast Suns are ready to match it with the AFL's power teams week in, week out, according to former Burnie boy Luke Russell.

UP FOR CHALLENGE: Gold Coast's Luke Russell in action for the Suns last season against Hawthorn. On Saturday the Suns take on the reigning premier at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. Picture: Getty Images.

After starting as the substitute last week, Russell played a key role in the club's biggest ever win in its short history, kicking two goals in the 40-point victory against Geelong.

Now Russell and the Suns face another stern test, the daunting task of tackling Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday, which will be the 22-year-old's second AFL game in his home state.

``I think we've been searching for some respect in the AFL and now we are slowly starting to get it,'' Russell told The Advocate yesterday.

``Finals are still a long way away but beating Geelong, we will get a bit more respect. We've set a standard the way we've been playing, and we need to make sure we can play like that for the rest of the year.''

Russell said he was informed yesterday that he would not wear the green vest this week, and would be in the starting line-up for the Hawks clash.

He said the Suns were hell-bent on serving it up to Hawthorn, having suffered a 99-point thumping at home at the hands of the reigning premier in round 4.

``There has been a bit of a focus this week on what we did in that game, but the boys' confidence is up and our belief is up now,'' Russell said.

``We respect Hawthorn a lot, but we need to go down there, be competitive and come out and get off to a good start.''

Russell said he was looking forward to returning to play in his home state and being able to catch up with family.

``It's always good to get home - growing up I played a fair few games at Aurora and a few family members will be there, so I'm excited,'' he said.

Russell is out of contract at the end of this season and he said discussions between his manager and the Suns were ongoing.

Saturday's game between Hawthorn and Gold Coast at Launceston's Aurora Stadium starts at 1.45pm.